Alice Hegan Rice

“ Miss Corcoran, quite satisfied with with this and the mirror’s confession, turned and kissed her cousin:
“But, my lady Bess, I would say you nay; I’m not to be won thus early in the game. There’s too great joy in the sport and the conquest to relinquish freedom yet awhile.”
But Elizabeth shook her young head sagely. And she shook her finger, too, at her cousin. “Ethel Corcoran,” she said, “that’s assumed. Aren’t you a little bit in love right now with the idea of being in love? ”

“ To her that hath truth, that truth hath often a sharp tongue;
“To her that hath grace, that it belongs but to youth;
“To her that hath brain, that she dwelleth too high;
“But with her that hath a loving heart a man may live in peace. ”

“ You told me all along that love was not as serious a thing with me then as it would be some day, and you were right.”
Miss Corcoran looked about for some way of escape. It was going to be painful—it was almost tragic—for Tom. She hated scenes.
“The fact is, Ethel,” he began after an awkward pause—then he broke into a low laugh. “Oh, it’s no use trying to explain! Just put your little hand in mine and congratulate me, for I am engaged to the finest girl that ever lived—in Cleveland. She is the truest, most straightforward, affectionate woman, and she will make me a better man.” ”